Orange County's Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Mission: To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

Vision: To be the most trusted resource for horticulture education in Florida.

ABOUT THE MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a citizen-driven initiative that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the residents of Florida. Our program relies on dedicated volunteers who are passionate about gardening and committed to serving their communities. Orange County’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program has been proudly serving the citizens of Orange County since 1981.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is more than just a training course—it's an ongoing, community-based volunteer organization. We are dedicated to providing research-based horticultural education throughout our county. Volunteers undergo 12 weeks of classroom training and are required to complete 75 hours of volunteer service within their first year to earn the title of Master Gardener Volunteer. However, it's important to note that this title is only valid as long as individuals remain active, ongoing participants in the program.

Want to be notified during the next Master Gardener Volunteer recruitment window? Add your email to this list serve.

• Master Gardener Volunteers' duties

  Certified Master Gardener Volunteers work through their county Extension office to educate Floridians and provide research-based information about gardening—America's most popular pastime. Master Gardener Volunteers can fulfill their volunteer hours in a variety of ways, including:

  • answering horticultural questions over the phone, in person, or through a regular newspaper column
  • participating in community and school garden projects
  • giving educational programs to the public
  • supporting youth activities
  • performing soil sample evaluations
• Master Gardener Volunteer Training Topics

  Master Gardener Volunteer program participants complete 70+ hours of training sponsored by the University of Florida and the local county Extension office. The training covers the following topics:

  • Florida Friendly Landscaping ^TM
  • Botany
  • Entomology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Nematology
  • Weeds
  • Soil, Plant Nutrients, & Fertilizers
  • Turfgrass
  • Landscape Planting & Maintenance
  • Pesticides- Selection, Use, & Safety
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Fruits
  • Plant Propagation
  • Citrus
  • Palm Trees

  and MORE!

• Benefits of being a Master Garden Volunteer

  Master Gardener Volunteers enjoy the following benefits:

  • A sense of community amongst likeminded horticulture-friendly individuals.
  • Continuing education opportunities within gardening, pests, natural resources, and much more!
  • The opportunity to attend the Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Continuing Education Conference conducted by University of Florida professors and other Master Gardeners.
  • Receiving twelve issues of the Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer "pH News" Newsletter.
  • The opportunity to attend field trips throughout the state.
• MGV Enrollment/Requirements

  Recruitment begins in the early summer and applications are accepted in July. Training occurs weekly from September to December, with weekly in-person classes on Tuesdays from 10-3 pm. Due to classroom limitations, training seats are limited. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • • • Must be a resident of Orange County.
      • Submit an application (July 1-19).
        • Applications will only be emailed out to those on the mailing list or signed up to attend an informational meeting. To be added to the mailing list, please click here. 
      • Attend an interview with the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator.
      • Pass a Florida Criminal Background Check.
      • Provide 3 references.
      • Submit a non-refundable payment of $275 (includes 7 resource books, training manual, nametag, field trip admission, and a polo) after acceptance into the program.
      • Have internet access and a valid email address. You do not need to be “tech-savvy,” but you do need to have a learning mindset and ability to learn.
      • Open-minded to sharing research-based horticulture.
      • No formal or prior horticulture experience required!